GiliSoft Video DRM Protection User Guide

How to protect videos with passwords and device binding

Create protected video packages on Windows, control who can open them, bind playback to an authorized PC or USB drive, add viewer watermarks, and revoke leaked access after delivery.

Playback passwordsPC and USB bindingDynamic watermarksPassword blacklist
Video DRM setup workflow for password, device binding, watermarking, and blacklist control
Home > How to Use > Video DRM Protection

Choose the DRM task you need

Before you create a protected video package

Keep these four values distinct. Two stay with the publisher, one identifies a viewer's computer when PC binding is used, and only the Playback Password is sent to the viewer.

Encryption Key

Keep this publisher key with the project record. It is used when creating playback passwords later.

Playback Password

Send this credential to the authorized viewer so the protected video can be opened.

Machine Code

Use the viewer's machine code when playback must be bound to one authorized Windows PC.

Project ID

Use a recognizable label so the correct project and Encryption Key can be found later.

Creation and playbackThe protection project is created and managed on Windows. Viewers can open the resulting protected video through the supported GiliSoft playback environment on compatible desktop or mobile platforms, depending on the package and player selected.
Never send the Encryption Key to viewers. Store it with the Project ID in the publisher's secure records.

Part 1: Create the protected DRM package

1. Add the videos you want to protect

Add training videos, course recordings, premium media, product demonstrations, or supporting files that belong in the same protected delivery.

1Open GiliSoft Video DRM Protection and choose the video protection task.
2Add the source videos and any supporting content required by the project.
3Confirm the file names, order, and package contents.
4Continue to the playback and encryption settings.

2. Configure encryption and playback settings

Choose how viewers will be authorized and keep the project information needed for future password creation.

1Set a recognizable Project ID.
2Save the Encryption Key securely with the project record.
3Choose the fixed-password, device-binding, storage-binding, or preview mode required by the delivery.
4Review the playback prompts, limits, and package settings.

3. Add watermark and anti-copy controls

Configure controlled playback settings that discourage copying, screen capture, virtual-machine misuse, and unapproved viewing environments.

1Enable the anti-copy and anti-capture options required by the project.
2Configure fixed or dynamic watermark text for viewer traceability.
3Review virtual-machine and playback-environment checks.
4Keep only the restrictions appropriate for the intended viewers.

4. Export the protected package

Create the delivery file only after the encryption key, binding mode, watermark, access limits, and anti-copy rules are ready.

1Choose the protected GEM or EXE output required for delivery.
2Select the output location and confirm the package name.
3Create the protected package and keep the source project information.
4Test the completed package before sending it to viewers.

Choose the right password or binding mode

Fixed Playback Password

Use one password when approved viewers may open the package on more than one computer and device-specific control is unnecessary.

Simple shared access

PC Binding

Create a playback password from one viewer's machine code so that password works with the authorized computer.

One computer, one password

USB Disk Binding

Keep playback associated with the selected USB delivery device when protected content should not be copied away and used normally elsewhere.

Controlled removable-media delivery

CD Binding

Associate playback with the delivered optical media when training or licensed content is distributed on CD or DVD.

Controlled disc delivery

Part 2: Create and manage viewer access

Viewer opens package
Machine code appears
Publisher creates password
Viewer enters password

5. Create a playback password

Generate access for a viewer, customer, course group, or delivery batch after the protected package has been created.

1Select the matching project and enter its saved Encryption Key.
2For PC Binding, enter the Machine Code shown on the viewer's computer.
3Set play count, expiration date, preview limits, or viewer watermark text when needed.
4Create the Playback Password and send only that password to the authorized viewer.

6. Revoke a leaked or cancelled password

The online blacklist lets the publisher disable a playback password without rebuilding every protected package already delivered.

1Configure the online password blacklist URL before packaging protected content.
2Open the blacklist management page or tool.
3Add the leaked, expired, refunded, or otherwise revoked playback password.
4Save the list so future online verification rejects that credential.
Blacklist control depends on the URL being configured in the protected project before delivery.

7. Use player and supporting DRM tools

Use the toolbox for player preparation, password tasks, project utilities, and other supporting work around protected delivery.

1Open the toolbox after the core package settings are complete.
2Choose the player or password utility required by the project.
3Keep player branding and viewer instructions consistent with the protected package.
4Test the complete viewer experience before release.

Why a protected video may not play

Check the password and project values

  • The Playback Password must belong to this protected project.
  • The saved Encryption Key must match the original package.
  • PC Binding requires the correct viewer Machine Code.
  • Play count, expiration date, and preview limits must still permit access.

Check delivery and verification

  • Confirm the password is not present in the online blacklist.
  • Make sure the protected file downloaded or copied completely.
  • Confirm the current PC, USB device, or disc matches the selected binding mode.
  • Retest the package with the authorized GiliSoft playback workflow.

Video DRM Protection FAQ

Is the Encryption Key the viewer password?

No. The publisher keeps the Encryption Key and uses it to create Playback Passwords for authorized viewers.

When is a Machine Code required?

It is required when PC Binding is used to create a password for one authorized computer.

Can a leaked password be disabled?

Yes. Add it to the configured online password blacklist so future verification rejects it.

Can playback be tied to USB or disc media?

Yes. USB Disk Binding and CD Binding are available for controlled physical-media delivery.

Can viewer-specific watermark text be added?

Yes. Watermark text can be included when creating access so protected playback carries visible viewer or project information.

Can viewers play protected videos outside Windows?

The DRM project is created on Windows. Protected playback can be delivered through supported GiliSoft players for compatible desktop and mobile platforms, depending on the output and player selected.

Why should I keep the Project ID?

It helps identify the right project and Encryption Key when new passwords or access changes are needed later.

Should I use Video DRM or ordinary video encryption?

Use Video DRM when access must remain controllable after delivery through device binding, watermarks, expiration, or password revocation. Use ordinary encryption when a fixed password is enough.

Video DRM help by topic

Protect and deliver videos

Prepare protected downloads for courses, clients, subscribers, and offline delivery.

Watermarks and capture deterrence

Add traceability and discourage unauthorized recording or redistribution.

Training and e-learning

Apply DRM controls to paid lessons, internal training, and learner downloads.

Compare DRM solutions

Understand when DRM, encryption, or copy protection better matches the delivery model.

Related video protection methods

Use simpler password encryption when ongoing licensing and revocation are unnecessary.

Protect videos before paid, training, or external delivery

Package content with playback passwords, binding rules, watermarking, blacklist control, and authorized viewing.

View Video DRM Protection